Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Friday, Dec. 13, 2024:
Checking in with rural Texas ahead of the legislative session
Texas has more rural residents than any other state, with 4.8 million people living outside urban areas. As lawmakers prepare for the 2025 session, rural leaders are voicing hopes and challenges for their communities.
Stamford Mayor James Decker shares insights on what’s needed for small-town Texas.
Texas schools crack down on student cell phone use
School districts like Houston, Austin and Abilene’s Wylie ISD are enacting strict no-phone policies to reduce distractions.
KACU’s Baylie Simon visited Wylie High to see how students and staff are adapting to the change:
Dallas volunteers tackle food waste and insecurity with new app
As grocery prices rise, food insecurity is a growing issue. In Dallas, a new app is helping divert food from landfills to feed thousands in need.
KERA’s Priscilla Rice has the story of one man’s mission to make a difference.
Abilene makes moves in AI with new data center
Abilene is set to host a 200 MW data center built by Crusoe on the Lancium Clean Campus. This AI-focused facility could transform the Big Country region.
Ronald Erdrich from the Abilene Reporter-News breaks down the impact of this development.
The many meanings of cowboy boots across Texas
From cattle drives to city streets, cowboy boots are iconic in Texas — but their meaning varies across regions. Today’s boot story hails from Abilene, celebrating the unique connections Texans have with their favorite footwear.
Texas volleyball teams shine in Sweet 16
The Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies have advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament. Reigning champ Texas secured its 19th-straight regional spot, while A&M reached this stage for the first time since 2019.
ESPN volleyball analyst Shelby Coppedge joins the Standard to discuss what’s next.
The gang delivers another custom poem. Reach out to Texas Standard with your topic suggestions!
The Texas Tribune’s Renzo Downey joins the Standard with a recap of the week that was in Texas politics.
All this, plus Alexandra Hart with the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
